Preventive Maintenance, Service, and Troubleshooting 75
NEVER ship the PortaCount Fit Tester back to TSI
with any alcohol bottles. Isopropyl Alcohol is a
hazardous material and must not be shipped without
appropriate Dangerous Goods labeling and
packaging.
Changing the Alcohol Wick
The wick inside the alcohol cartridge may be changed in the field.
Two spare wicks are included with the PortaCount Fit Tester.
Normally, the wick does not need to be changed unless one of the
following problems develops:
Moisture accumulates in the wick and causes the Low Alcohol
Level message to come on even when there is an adequate
alcohol supply. This may happen when the PortaCount Fit Tester
is used extensively for extended periods. Especially if fit testing in
an area with high humidity.
If moisture accumulation occurs, the alcohol wick can be
removed, allowed to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area, and
then re-installed into the alcohol cartridge.
The wick becomes contaminated with dirt, oil, or other foreign
substances. This should not happen unless the instrument is
used to sample aerosols other than those normally found in
ambient air.
If the alcohol wick is contaminated, discard it and replace it with a
new one. Note that some discoloration of the wick is normal and
will not influence performance.